Chapter 67.2

Pear Blossom felt embarrassed. Often, when she came to see Dong Yun, it was without any serious purpose—just a desire to see her. But right now, she did have something to say. She relayed the words Lady Jiang had told her, finally saying, “Your family has over ten acres of land, and you’re supposed to pay three or four hundred pounds of grain. If what Aunt Jiang said is true, and grain prices rise, if Mrs. Zeng is like before, having to sell grain to pay taxes and buy more when their own supply runs out, the price will be much higher by then.”

Dong Yun hadn’t expected the situation outside to be so severe, but she still frowned and said, “You know how my mother-in-law is. To pay for my younger brother’s education, she can’t bear to eat the grain and ends up selling it for money. I don’t think she’ll listen to any persuasion.”

Pear Blossom thought for a moment and said, “If you really can’t persuade her, just tell her that we’ll buy all the grain she has. I’ll pay whatever price the outside market is offering.”

Since they needed to store grain anyway, moving it directly to their home would be convenient and wouldn’t attract too much attention.

“And any grain meant for taxes, we’ll take that to my place too. Later, I’ll buy more in the city with cash and take it to pay the taxes. It’ll cost a little extra, but it’ll save the hassle of going back and forth. It’s much cheaper than hiring someone to pay the taxes for us.”

Dong Yun was convinced by her words. Since her mother-in-law didn’t want to store the grain, selling it was inevitable, so why not sell it to Pear Blossom? She could pay with cash, and Pear Blossom would store it for her.

“Fine, I’ll give you the money, and you buy it. You can store it for me, and I’ll give you a bit of extra for the trouble.”

Pear Blossom was unhappy to hear this. She had often wished to give Dong Yun everything she had, but now Dong Yun was being so formal about it. However, she didn’t refuse because Dong Yun had that tone of voice—half playful, half pleading, with an unmistakable strength in her gaze. It was impossible to turn her down.

Pear Blossom lowered her eyes and said, “Okay.”

Dong Yun then let go of her hand and ended the topic.

Pear Blossom, still lingering on the warmth of her hand, reluctantly said, “I bought a bass for you on my way back. It’s hanging by the door. It was still alive when I bought it, but it probably died after the trip. You can just process it when you get back.”

Dong Yun’s heart warmed. “Alright.”

Pear Blossom was relieved that she didn’t mention money again. She was about to leave, but then Fubao wrapped her arms tightly around her neck, unwilling to let go. Pear Blossom could only smile and say, “Do you want to come with me to my house?”

Fubao nodded, burying her small head in Pear Blossom’s neck, showing she wanted to follow her wherever she went.

Dong Yun said, “Stop it! Pear Blossom’s been working hard today. She needs to go back and rest.”

Only then did Fubao reluctantly let go, but Pear Blossom quickly scooped her up and said, “Let her come with me. My parents are in the fields, and I’ll take her along. She won’t be in the way with Xinghua.”

This way, she could send Fubao back later and have some more time with Dong Yun.

Fubao immediately hugged Pear Blossom’s neck again, happy to follow her.

At home, she was the only child. Although Erniu and Xinghua were older, they were still kids. Playing with the older children was far more fun than playing alone in the fields.

Seeing her daughter like this, Dong Yun sighed softly, feeling some guilt. Over the past days, mother and daughter had troubled Pear Blossom with many things, inside and out. This girl was always hardworking and never complained, always appearing with energy when they needed help most.

“I just worry that you’re working too hard,” Dong Yun said quietly.

Pear Blossom smiled and shook her head. “I’m not tired at all. Fubao is really well-behaved and doesn’t cause any trouble. She’s also quite amusing.”

Fubao giggled, tugging at Pear Blossom’s clothes playfully.

But while playing, Fubao’s hand accidentally brushed against something hard on Pear Blossom’s chest. Reaching out, she tried to grab it.

Pear Blossom looked down in surprise, realizing that the little book from Murong Jin had been pulled out a bit. She quickly stuffed it back inside and tightly held Fubao’s hand, saying quickly, “Sister Dong, I’ll take Fubao back now.”

Dong Yun, seeing Pear Blossom’s flustered expression, was puzzled but didn’t press further. “Alright, I’ll come get her later.”

Pear Blossom hurriedly nodded, clutching the book to her chest, and rushed off.

Back at the school, the only work left was carpentry. Dagen and Daniu weren’t good at it, and since the father and son had been busy for over a month, they didn’t come to finish up the work. Today, they had gone to the fields instead.

Without oxen, they had to rely on manual tools like hoes and shovels, which were less efficient, but this was how their ancestors had done it before plows were invented. For farmers, this was the time for fieldwork, so what else was there to do?

Pear Blossom secured the horse, took a drink, greeted Xia Xunyan in the west room, and then took Fubao down to the fields.

The weather had turned cooler, with almost no sun during the day, making it a perfect time to work.

When Mrs. Xiong saw Pear Blossom had arrived, she said, “You’ve been working hard all afternoon, go home and rest.”

Pear Blossom replied, “It’s just tilling the land, not too tiring. Fubao, go play with Xinghua.”

The two little ones couldn’t do much work, the main labor in the household was still handled by the couple and Pear Blossom, with everyone working together. Pear Blossom also shared the news about Murong Jiutian’s return with her parents.

Upon hearing that things were chaotic outside, Mrs. Xiong couldn’t help but feel worried. “We just separated, haven’t even had a few good days, and now something else has happened.”

Dagen tried to comfort her, “The refugees outside are suffering more than we are. We can only hope they don’t come our way, then we might be able to live a few peaceful days.”

“Ah, when there’s chaos outside, they’ll collect grain. We haven’t paid this time, and it won’t be long before they come again. The price of grain won’t be good.” Mrs. Xiong sighed, “Our family eats a lot, and this amount of grain isn’t enough. If they ask for more next year, we won’t even have enough to pay the taxes, let alone have enough to eat.”

Pear Blossom said, “We can only buy grain and store it. I’ll buy the tax grain directly from the city and pay it there to avoid running back and forth.”

Mrs. Xiong nodded, “We’ll do as you say. Luckily, we still have some silver now, so it’s good to store more for peace of mind.”

Pear Blossom continued, “Grandmother’s family sells grain every year. Sister Dong asked us to buy some with silver to help. When the time comes, they won’t be able to eat it all, so they’ll give some to us. Plus, when I return from the city, I can carry a bag of rice every day, and in a month, that adds up. Just a little bit each day, and it won’t attract attention.”

With just a few words, the issue was resolved. Mrs. Xiong felt much better, seeing how capable her daughter was and how far-sighted she could be.

“But, mother, the grain can’t be kept at home. If refugees or bandits cause trouble and raid the village, we can’t keep the grain inside!” Pear Blossom said.

“Well, what do you suggest we do? Should we dig a cellar and bury it?” Mrs. Xiong asked.

Dagen said, “Big families often have grain storage habits. We should also pick a place to hide it, or if something happens, we’ll really starve!”

His words weren’t exaggerated at all. When they were younger, they had heard of several villages in a neighboring county that were hit by disaster and hundreds of people died from hunger. Other places were even worse.

Pear Blossom agreed, “I’m thinking of finding a hidden place in our back mountain to dig a hole and store the grain. Our house is at the end of the village, and no one pays much attention when we go up or down the mountain. It’ll be unnoticed if we start now.”

Mrs. Xiong thought for a moment and said, “Let’s do as you say. Tomorrow we’ll go up the mountain to find a place. You three can dig the hole first, and I’ll handle the field.”

After discussing this, Pear Blossom added, “I bought a big grass fish today. Mother, let’s have a nice meal tonight.”

When Mrs. Xiong heard this, the cloud of worry lifted from her, and she smiled. “Good, let’s pick some osmanthus to make braised fish.”

Fubao ran over, hugging Pear Blossom’s leg, saying, “Fish.”

Pear Blossom smiled at her and said, “Yes, we’ll have fish tonight.”

After working all afternoon, Mrs. Xiong and Xinghua took Fubao back to prepare the meal, while Pear Blossom, her father, and younger brother continued tilling the land. When it got late, they all went back.

Erniu had also returned after tending the cattle and sheep. The family had a rule that on bad weather days, the children stayed home and studied with Teacher Xia. In summer, they worked in the mornings and studied in the afternoons and evenings; in winter, the schedule was reversed. This way, their work and study wouldn’t conflict.

But Daniu and Pear Blossom were the main workers in the family, and they could teach flexibly. As for Erniu and Xinghua, they strictly followed the schedule.

Last night, Pear Blossom had told Xia Xunyan about Dong Yun’s request to learn from her. Xia Xunyan didn’t ask much but silently rearranged the teaching plan.

After returning, Pear Blossom went to the kitchen. It had been a day of physical labor, and she was very hungry.

Dagen was in the kitchen, scaling and gutting the fish. The room was crowded, so Xinghua took Fubao to play in the room.

Pear Blossom stayed inside for a while, but was soon sent out, sitting on a small bench at the kitchen door to stretch. She saw Fubao running toward her, holding something.

“Pear Blossom, candy, eat candy.”

Pear Blossom squinted, recognizing the small box in her hand.

In her mind, the system started screaming loudly, “Beauty pill, host, that’s your beauty pill!”

Pear Blossom’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly reached out, grabbed Fubao, and patted her little bottom. “Little troublemaker, how did you get my stuff?”

Fubao sniffed the box, and the sweet aroma came out, making her mouth water. She pouted and said, “Candy…Fubao wants candy.”

She seemed ready to make a fuss if she didn’t get it.

Pear Blossom took the box and said, “Little ancestor, this isn’t candy, it’s medicine.”

Fubao said, “Fubao wants to eat medicine—”

At that moment, Xinghua hurried over and, seeing the situation, carefully said, “Eldest sister, I found it when I was rummaging through the cupboard. Fubao picked it up.”

It was an accidental situation, and Pear Blossom wouldn’t blame her. The beauty pill was originally meant for her mother, but the system was always watching. Now, with Fubao here, how could she divide it so everyone would be satisfied?

Pear Blossom looked at the large pot of cooled water beside her and suddenly had an idea. She tossed the beauty pill into the pot, “Alright, Fubao will drink the medicine with me.”

Watching the pill dissolve in the water, she poured a bowl and brought it to Fubao’s mouth. “Here, little ancestor, your sweet water.”

Fubao happily opened her mouth and drank. After two sips, she frowned and pushed the bowl away, saying, “Not sweet, Fubao doesn’t drink.”

Pear Blossom smiled at her sister and said, “You drink too.”

Xinghua didn’t know what it was, but curiosity got the better of her. She poured half a bowl and tasted it. It still tasted like plain water, but since she had taken a sip, she couldn’t leave it, so she had no choice but to finish it.

Pear Blossom filled her bowl again and said, “Take it to the kitchen for your mother to drink, and tell her it’s from her eldest daughter, a gesture of filial piety. She has to finish it all.”

Mrs. Xiong, hearing this from inside the room, said, “If it’s from my eldest daughter, even bitter water, I must drink it all.”

Xinghua laughed and carried the full bowl into the kitchen.

Dagen, tasting the water, asked, “Why does the eldest daughter only show filial piety to her mother and not to her father?”

“Father needs to save room in his belly for wine, what use is there for plain water?”

Dagen chuckled in response.

While they were talking, Xinghua returned from the kitchen, having drunk the water clean, not leaving a drop. Pear Blossom finally relaxed and finished the rest of the water that Fubao had left. She drank several more bowls, including the remaining water in the pot, but by the time she finished, only one bowl was left, and she really couldn’t drink any more.

The system called out: “You have already wasted a bowl and a half for your mother and sister; the remaining must be finished!”

Pear Blossom had no choice but to lift the bowl and drink a sip. Just then, someone walked in through the door: it was Dong Yun. She rubbed her belly, set down her bowl, and intended to rest for a while.

Dong Yun walked over, saw Dagen and his wife busy in the kitchen, and stood by the door to speak.

Pear Blossom had mentioned something to her at noon, and Dong Yun had asked Mrs. Zeng about it. Mrs. Zeng had agreed to sell grain to their family and would bring it over when it was convenient.

Mrs. Xiong said, “It’s not urgent. Let’s wait for a few days. I think your father can make a cart. On the day Pear Blossom finishes work, she can use her horse to pull the cart back.”

Dong Yun was relieved to hear this and was about to take Fubao back.

Mrs. Xiong quickly ran out and said, “The rice is already cooked. Pear Blossom also bought a six or seven-pound fish today. We’re having fish tonight.”

Dong Yun immediately realized that Pear Blossom hadn’t mentioned buying fish for her mother as well, so she didn’t bring it up. She smiled and said, “Our meal is also ready. We’re just waiting to go back and eat.”

Mrs. Xiong had no choice; the oil in the pot was splattering and making a crackling sound, and she didn’t have time to stop her. She said, “Alright then, next time we’ll eat together.”

After speaking, she hurried inside to check on the fish.

Pear Blossom sat at the door, watching the woman she liked right in front of her. A feeling she couldn’t quite describe spread through her heart. Seeing no one else around, she gathered her courage and lightly took hold of the woman’s half-open hand.

Dong Yun, feeling the warmth of the hand in hers, didn’t pull away. She allowed Pear Blossom to hold it, then turned her head as if nothing had happened and called to her daughter, “Fu’er, we’re going home.”

Fubao pointed to the bowl of water on the nearby stool, pouted, and complained, “Sugar water, not sweet, Fubao doesn’t like it.”

Dong Yun glanced at Pear Blossom, seeing her other hand resting on her belly. She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, “Have you had enough to drink?”

Pear Blossom, holding her hand, felt her heart pounding, unable to meet her gaze, and unwilling to let go. Hearing this question, she suddenly asked, “Are you thirsty, sister?”

Dong Yun looked at her, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “You’ve already drunk, and you’re asking if I want some?”

Pear Blossom blushed deeply, thinking Dong Yun was disapproving of her. She withdrew her hand, but Dong Yun leaned down and picked up the bowl of water, taking a small sip before smiling and saying, “Actually, I’m thirsty too.”

Pear Blossom’s heart raced faster, and her ears grew even hotter. The previous heat from embarrassment had shifted to something entirely different.

Fubao stared with wide, curious eyes and asked, “Mom, is it sweet?”

Dong Yun glanced at Pear Blossom, finished the rest of the water, and replied, “Sweet.”

Fubao furrowed her brow. “It wasn’t sweet when I drank it just now.”

Dong Yun set down the bowl and picked her up. “Alright, enough play. Time to go home and eat.”

Pear Blossom suppressed the fluttering in her chest and stood up as well. She softly said, “Let me see you out.”

Dong Yun responded with a “hm,” carrying Fubao ahead of her.